On September 11, 2001, America experienced the worst terrorist attack ever. Thousands of lives were lost and others were injured as the World Trade Center vanished from the New York skyline.

Church Street Station adjacent to Ground Zero. Twenty-nine postal vehicles were destroyed when Building 7 of the World Trade Center collapsed in the afternoon of September 11, 2001.

Many postal workers responded to the chaos and confusion of that fateful day with selfless deeds. Supervisors, clerks and letter carriers alike aided those who survived the horrific tragedy.

Interior of an office at the Church Street Station after the World Trade Center collapse.

At the Jersey City station, stunned survivors were transported to shelters and train stops in postal trucks. Those who stumbled past the Brooklyn post office were offered a cool drink of water. A supervisor at the Church Street station near Ground Zero saved countless lives by evacuating the building before the 110-story twin towers collapsed.

Postal Inspectors, aided by National Guard members, remove mail from the Church Street Post Office in the week following the attacks.

Because these inspectors are early to the scenes of plane crashes and other disasters from which mail is to be located and secured, they are offered counseling assistance.